I can't compete with Messi – Icardi

The Inter striker was happy to earn a place in the Goal 50 but he feels it will be difficult to surpass the best players from his homeland

EXCLUSIVEBy Renato MaisaniInter striker Mauro Icardi was pleased to be named in the 2015 Goal 50, but concedes it will be difficult to ever become the best attacker in South America while the likes of Lionel Messi are around.

The 22-year-old was one of the youngest inclusions in the annual list after his 22 Serie A goals last season saw him share the Capocannoniere prize with Verona’s Luca Toni.

Icardi is tipped to have a big future in the game but the player himself recognises that his path to the top may be blocked – at least at national level – while Argentina boasts so many other phenomenal players.

“There are several great footballers in South America. I try to do my job and I’m happy with what I did last season, and because of that I could receive this award,” Icardi, who has been capped once by his country, told Goal.

“But it will be hard to become the best South Amerian striker because there are a lot of outstanding players from Argentina.

“I’m Argentine and that’s why I admire Messi most. For me, he’s the best player in the world.”

You can watch the full exclusive video interview of Mauro Icardi above